Los Medanos College Student Services Enews
March 2012

In This Issue
  • Important Dates
  • Announcements
  • Admissions & Records Updates
  • Financial Aid News
  • Scholarship Opportunities
  • EOPS and CARE Program Updates
  • Transfer Center News
  • Center for Academic Support
  • Student Life Activities
  • Library News
  • Campus Events
  • Spotlight on Women's Soccer

  • Spring has finally arrived and change is in the air. To keep up with all the changes going on at LMC during the month of March, please read on. . .


    Important Dates

    • April 2 - 8: Spring Break - No classes (limited services available - call first for information)
    • April 6 - 8: CAMPUS CLOSED
    • April 16: Last day to submit early fall 2012 graduation application to receive early registration appointment for fall 2012
    • April 16: Begin priority registration for EOPS, DSPS, qualified veterans, qualified foster youth (online only)
    • April 17: Special registration for DSPS note takers, early graduation applicants, qualified athletes (online only)
    • April 18: Begin registration for continuing students by appointment (online only)
    • April 27: Last day to withdraw from full-term classes with a "W" appearing on transcript

    For more important campus dates, as well as to view all LMC athletics game listings, visit the campus calendar online.

    Announcements

    New to LMC?
    Please tell us about yourself so that we may better serve you. The College Student Self-Assessment Survey will only take about 15 minutes and is designed to find out about you and your college goals and plans. Your responses will be used by the college to help identify programs and services that best meet your needs and for conducting research to find out how to improve programs.

    Admissions & Records Updates

    Summer and fall registration:
    We are currently taking online applications for summer and fall registration. Registration dates for continuing students will be posted in WebAdvisor around March 14.

    Early Graduation Application for Priority Registration Appointment
    In order to give students who are close to graduation an advantage in registering for the remaining classes needed in their last semester, students may apply for an early registration appointment by submitting an Early Graduation Application for Priority Registration Appointment form to graduate in the semester before their planned graduation date. The early registration appointment can only be utilized only one time per student.

    Deadlines:

    • Fall graduation: March 1 - April 16 - Submit early fall 2012 graduation application to receive early registration appointment for fall 2012

    For more information and to obtain an Early Graduation Application for Priority Registration Appointment form, visit Admissions and Records online.

    Graduation

    • Spring: Students who applied to graduate in spring term will receive an email on May 1 to advising of your status. The email will be sent to student's InSite email account. Please do not call the office for your status before this date.
    • Summer: Students who applied for summer graduation with an early graduation application may fill out an Application to Walk in Ceremony with Coursework Remaining form once you have registered for your summer classes.
    • Fall: If you are completing your requirements in the fall term, you may now submit an Early Graduation Application for Priority Registration Appointment form which gives you an earlier registration appointment. This is a one-time only opportunity.
    For all the information above, please see the graduation policies page.

    Financial Aid News

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    Title IV Fund Eligibility Change
    Title IV Fund Eligibility Change - Ability to Benefit

    Effective July 1, 2012 students without a high school diploma or its equivalent are ineligible to receive Title IV Funds (Federal grants) and, therefore, will need to seek alternative (state and/or private) financing. This change will only affect new students enrolling in their first post-secondary program of study.

    Financial Aid Deadlines

    • April 20: Last day to submit Student Loan applications for spring 2012
    • April 27: Last day to submit SAP appeals for spring 2012
    • May 25: Last day to submit BOG Fee Waivers for the 2011-2012 academic year
    • June 29: Last day to file a FAFSA for 2011-2012

    Satisfactory Academic Progress workshops
    The Satisfactory Academic Progress workshop dates for spring 2012 are posted on the Financial Aid website.

    Get ready set go
    Get Ready! Get Set! Go!
    Are you ready to do your FAFSA for the next academic year? The 2012-2013 FAFSA form is now available. Apply for FAFSA online. It's EASY! The online FAFSA is available in English and Spanish, and has step-by-step instructions for you to follow. Make sure you have everything you need to complete your FAFSA. If you need assistance, please come to one of our financial aid labs or one of the financial aid general workshops!

    Workshops
    Listed below are the general Financial Aid workshop dates for the spring 2012 semester which will be held in the Library, Room 213 from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. on the following dates:

    • March 20 (Tuesday)
    • April 18 (Wednesday)
    • May 7 (Monday)

    To register for a Financial Aid workshop, sign up online.

    Financial Aid lab hours
    We offer assistance with PIN numbers, new or renewal FAFSA, new e-mail access, adding school codes, WebAdvisor for Financial Aid purposes:

    Spring 2012 lab hours:

    • Tuesdays: 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.
    • Fridays: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

    Lab hours will be held in the CORE, Room CO-200. For more information or questions, call the Financial Aid Office at (925) 439-2181, ext. 3139.

    Scholarship Opportunities

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    Contra Costa Association of REALTORS® (CCAR) Scholarship: $1,500 - $2,500

    Scholarship eligibility:

    • Have already completed one year of full-time college study (i.e., cannot be an incoming freshman)
    • Be currently enrolled full-time in college (12 units)
    • Have completed courses of study that reflect an emphasis on real estate, finance and/or business
    • Have a GPA (grade point average) of 3.0 or higher
    • Be a resident of central Contra Costa County only in the communities of Alamo, Blackhawk, Clayton, Clyde, Concord, Danville, Diablo, Lafayette, Martinez, Moraga/Canyon, Orinda, Pacheco, Pleasant Hill, Rossmoor, San Ramon and Walnut Creek
    For more information and an application, visit Contra Costa Association of REALTORS® (CCAR) Scholarship Foundation online. The deadline to apply is April 15.

    California for Disability Rights Foundation, Laura Williams Memorial Scholarship: $500
    The purpose of the scholarship is to provide financial assistance to people with disabilities who have been admitted to or are enrolled in a California college or university and who are committed to taking a leadership role in improving the lives of persons with disabilities. Any person with a verified physical, mental, or learning disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities, as defined in the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, who has been admitted to or is enrolled in an accredited state university, community college, private college, or university in California may apply.

    One (or more) $500 scholarships will be given each year in the spring semester. The deadline to apply is March 31. Scholarships will be awarded on April 30. Scholarship applications can be found online. Contact Kathleen Barajas by e-mail with any questions or comments.

    Single Parent's Club Scholarship

    Scholarship eligibility:

    • LMC continuing and/or transferring student
    • Must be enrolled at least full-time (12 units)
    • Minimum GPA 2.5
    • Must be a single parent
    • Must demonstrate financial need
    Awards and amounts may vary. For a scholarship application, click here. The deadline to apply is March 30. Return your completed application to the Scholarship Office, Room CC3- 440.

    Delta Branch-Music Teachers' Association of California (MTAC) Scholarship: $500
    The Delta Branch of the Music Teachers' Association of California (MTAC) is offering a $500 scholarship to a Music major at LMC for fall 2012.

    Scholarship eligibility:

    • Full-time student at LMC with a declared major in music
    • Entering a 2nd or 3rd year at LMC in fall 2012
    • Plans of transferring to a four-year college or university upon completion of courses at LMC
    • Members of MTAC are ineligible
    The deadline for submission is March 31. Applications are available in the LMC Scholarship Office, Room CC3-440.

    For information on all available scholarships, please visit the Scholarship webpage.

    EOPS and CARE Program Updates

    Through EOPS and CARE, eligible students receive supplemental educational support services, such as counseling, advisement, classes, workshops, peer support, and networking activities. In addition, grants and allowances for transportation and books/supplies are provided to enhance the retention, persistence, graduation and transfer rates of these academically high-risk students in their chosen educational objectives, which include vocational certificate or license, associate degree and transfer options.

    NOTE: The published application deadline for spring 2012 EOPS/CARE applications has passed and recruitment capacity has now been reached. There are no remaining spots for this semester. Fall 2012 recruitment will begin in June.

    CARE & EOPS Services Unavailable for Summer 2012
    Due to budget constraints, both CARE and EOPS will be unable to offer summer services. Fall 2012 application information will be available for both programs starting 4/30/12. For eligibility requirements and more information, visit CARE and EOPS online.

    Transfer Center News

    Saint Mary's College Summer Session: June 4 - 29
    Saint Mary's College is pleased to announce its summer session for 2012. Entering transfer students and visiting students are eligible to attend summer courses, which include both lower and upper division.

    Subject areas cover many topics including Psychology, Business, Philosophy, Art History, English, Environmental Science as well as travel courses to Italy and Bermuda.

    • Most classes meet Monday through Thursday , 9 a.m. to noon.
    • Tuition for summer session is $2,760 per course.
    • Housing, meal plans and access to personal loans available
    For more information, visit Saint Mary's College online.

    Cal State East Bay extends fall 2012 deadline to April 1
    Cal State East Bay has extended the fall 2012 deadline for upper-division transfer students through April 1. For more information, visit Cal State East Bay online.

    University tours
    The Transfer Center sponsors visits to four-year universities each semester in order to allow students to become more familiar with the different campuses and what each campus can offer in terms of academics, as well as student life. Transportation is provided and it's FREE. Stop by the Transfer Center to sign up or visit the Transfer Center online for more information and an application.

    Upcoming Tours

    tours CSU East Bay:

    • March 23 (Friday)
    • Departure 9:00 a.m.
    • Return 3:00 p.m.
    UC Berkeley Cal Day:
    • April 21 (Saturday)
    • Departure 9:00 a.m.
    • Return 4:00 p.m.
    CSU Sacramento:
    • April 24 (Tuesday)
    • Departure 8:00 a.m.
    • Return 4:00 p.m.
    CSU Fresno:
    • April 27 (Friday)
    • Departure 7:00 a.m.
    • Return 5:00 p.m.

    University Rep visits
    Representatives from 4-year colleges and universities visit the Transfer Center throughout the semester. A list of upcoming transfer university representative visits can be found online.

    New Transfer Center hours:

    • Monday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
    • Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
    • Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
    • Thursday: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
    • Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

    For general transfer-related questions or for more information, visit the Transfer Center in the College Complex, Level 3, Room 434-A or call (925) 439-2181, ext. 3124.

    Center for Academic Support

    study help

    Transfer and Scholarship Essay Writing Workshops

    Want to go through college using other people's money?

    Plan on attending one of the following workshops to be presented by Barbara Austin in the Center for Academic Support:

    How to Use Your Transfer Story to get $5,000 More a Year:

    • April 17 (Tuesday)
    • 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
    How & Where to Find Fantastic Scholarships:
    • May 2 (Wednesday):
    • 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

    Call (925) 439-2181, extension 3176 today to reserve your spot.

    Student Life Activities

    Office Move
    The Student Life Office has moved!
    Come visit us in our new home, the GA building, located near the Child Study Center entrance to the campus.

    ICC Dodge Ball Tournament to Support DSPS Program
    The Inter Club Council (ICC) is hosting a campus-wide Dodge Ball Tournament on Saturday, April 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to support the Los Medanos College Disabled Students Program Services (DSPS). All proceeds from the event will go to DSPS to assist with tutors, writers, readers, and other services that may enable the DSPS students to better complete their educational goals. This event is specifically designed to bring together LMC students, staff, and faculty in order to support a good cause. Through this event, we work to inspire the LMC and Pittsburg community to give back and recognize those in need. There is a $30 registration fee per team. Registration starts March 1. To obtain an application, go to the Student Life Office or download an application.

    Social Justice Film Series
    Join us for a free screening of Secretariat on March 20 (Tuesday) from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. in the Library Community Room (L-109). There will be a discussion of the film and refreshments.

    7th Annual LMC Academic Competition
    The Academic Competition is a one-day event designed to motivate students to achieve scholarly excellence at LMC. It is also a fun and interactive way for students to complete for academic scholarships. The competition consists of four rounds of multiple-choice tests questions. All test questions are provided by LMC professors. Each test round is 60 minutes and immediately after, the test answers are scored. Points are awarded for correct answers and the teams with the most points at the end of all test rounds are the winners. The winners of the competition are announced at the end of the event. Registration starts March 9. To obtain an application, go to the Student Life Office or download an application.

    Inter-Club Council Meetings
    The Inter-Club Council meetings are held Mondays from 3:00pm-4:00pm in L106 (Library Conference Room 2). ICC is the coordinating body for all clubs and organizations on campus. Each club can be represented in ICC, which promotes engagement in community college activities. If your club is a member of ICC, it is imperative that your ICC Representative attend the meetings on a regular basis.

    District Student Trustee
    The District Student Trustee serves on the Contra Costa Community College District Governing Board. This position rotates between the three Colleges annually; LMC is the hosting campus this year. Students interested in running for this position will need to submit an application to the Student Life Office. Application deadline is March 16 (Friday) at 4:00 p.m. to the Office of Student Life. To obtain an application, go to the Student Life Office or download an application.

    LMC Student Government Meetings
    The Los Medanos College Associated Students (LMCAS) is the official student government at LMC. Their primary purpose is to advance the welfare of all students. Weekly meetings are held on Mondays from 1:00 -3:00 p.m. in L106 (Library Conference Room 2).

    Library News

    New Electronic Resources at LMC Library
    The LMC Library is excited to announce the arrival of several new electronic resources. All LMC Library electronic resources can be accessed on the main campus, at the Brentwood Center and remotely. Please stop by the Reference Desk located on the first floor of the library to speak to a Librarian if would like an orientation to these resources or if you have any questions.

    Here are a few highlights:

    Auto Repair Reference Center
    Auto Repair Reference Center (ARRC) contains repair and maintenance information on most major manufacturers of domestic and imported vehicles going back to 1954.

    graphic
    Films on Demand
    Films on Demand provides unlimited, 24/7 access to more than 8,200 videos and 90,000 segments - all Closed Captioned covering curriculum-focused topics in Humanities & Social Sciences, Business & Economics, Science & Mathematics, Health & Medicine, Technical Education, Family & Consumer Sciences, and Careers and Job Search.

    Consumer Health Complete
    Consumer Health Complete provides content covering all areas of health and wellness from mainstream medicine to the many perspectives of complementary, holistic and integrated medicine. Includes the Clinical Reference System and the Lexi-PAL Drug Guide, which provides access to up-to-date, concise and clinically relevant drug monographs. This database is updated on a weekly basis.

    CQ Almanac Online
    CQ Almanac Online covers the people, elections, legislation, and controversies in the U.S. Congress since 1945. It includes in-depth review and analysis of legislation and policy for each year, organized by policy area and comprehensive roll call votes for all major legislation. It is updated every October.

    You can view presorted listings of LMC Library electronic resources:

    Check out all the resources available to you online today!

    Campus Events

    César Chávez Award Ceremony
    Join us on Friday, March 30, at 6:30 p.m. in the LMC Recital Hall to honor the life of César Chávez and to recognize leaders in the East Contra Costa community who continue the great tradition of service and social activism exemplified by labor/human rights activist and leader, Mr. César Chávez.

    For more information on this event, visit the LMC website.

    Study abroad this summer semester ― in tropical CUBA!
    Join Photography Professor Curtis Corlew for a week of location photography in Cuba. Expand your technical and artistic skills as you explore the unique cities, landscapes and people of Cuba. Visit fascinating locations that most American photographers can only dream of seeing, and learn techniques to help you capture the essence of each location. You will get individual feedback on your photographs and you will also have the opportunity to be a part of a class created book, called "Visions of Cuba."

    • Travel dates: June 16 - 23
    • Total cost of program: $2,795
    • Deposit due ($500): March 15
    • Final payment due ($2,295): April 15

    Click this link for an application and to view the travel flyer. For specific questions about Cuba travel, please contact Paul Bardwil at (916) 386-1957 or e-mail Paul Bardwil or Curtis Corlew.

    You must act NOW! Space is limited.

    Spotlight on Women's Soccer

    Interested in becoming a student athlete?

    Join the LMC Women's Soccer Team!

    LMC is looking for new soccer players for the 2012 fall season which officially begins mid-August and finishes up mid-November.

    Requirements:

    • soccer experience, preferably club and/or high school
    • full-time student attending LMC (12 units)
    • ability to tailor class schedule around training times and games
    • willingness to work hard and be committed to the program
    • completion of a physical examination prior to participation
    • self-motivated and must enjoy team sports in a competitive environment

    Head Coach Mark Bryant invites any interested players to contact him for more information on becoming a member of the LMC Women's Soccer team. He can be reached at (925) 439-2181, ext. 3392 or by e-mail.

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